Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, the Srinagar MP from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), has set off ripples within his own party. Known for his outspoken nature and fearless tone, Ruhullah is now questioning the very leadership he represents. His recent remarks aimed at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah—accusing the party of caring more about pride than people’s pain—have revealed a growing rift inside JKNC, once seen as a house of unity and conviction.
Ruhullah’s unease isn’t new. Earlier this year, he walked out of an important party meeting, upset over what he described as a lack of urgency in addressing people’s real issues. Before the Budgam by-election, he demanded transparency on a report about reservations, warning that any unfair change in electoral boundaries could harm weaker communities. On October 27, he made a powerful statement: “People voted for me because of what I stand for, not because of who I am.” His words struck a chord with those who feel disillusioned by political double-speak.
At the heart of this turmoil lies a simple but profound question if Ruhullah truly believes his party has lost direction, why continue under its banner? Is loyalty to a symbol more important than loyalty to one’s principles? The youth who rallied behind him in 2024 see in him not just a politician but a man of conviction. They expect courage, not compromise.
By choosing to step aside and seek a fresh mandate, Ruhullah could turn this moment of tension into a test of truth. Running independently wouldn’t mean rebellion—it would mean accountability. It would allow voters to decide whether they stand with his vision of clean politics and people-first leadership.
Sometimes, staying silent within a system is more comfortable than speaking out against it but true leadership is born from risk, not routine. Ruhullah now faces a defining choice: to remain a voice within a party that he says no longer listens, or to become a symbol of renewal in Kashmir’s political landscape.
The people are watching closely. The question that remains will Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi stay, or step aside and let the people’s voice speak for itself?
